Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Kowloon Summary

Pros

Hong Kong's main shopping district, with a large shopping mall and outdoor markets

Shops and restaurants are often less expensive here than on Hong Kong Island

Home to numerous sights, including museums and ancient temples

Kowloon Park is a beautiful green space in an otherwise built-up area

A lively nightlife in Tsim Sha Tsu

Hotels for every budget

Cons

Fast pace and hoards of people can be stressful

Nightlife is tame compared to that of nearby cities such as Bangkok and Tokyo

What It's Like

Though Hong Kong Island is the most visited area of Hong Kong, Kowloon -- a peninsula that juts out into Victoria Harbour -- comes in second. A neighborhood of museums, historic temples, and shops, Kowloon attracts visitors throughout the year.

Literally meaning "nine dragons," which stands for the eight hills in the area and the Chinese emperor, Kowloon is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Hong Kong -- an already extremely overpopulated city. And with the constant influx of tourists, the crowds grow even larger. Visitors often head to the southern tip of Kowloon, which boasts beautiful water views, one of the world's largest malls, a lively nightlife scene, and Kowloon Park -- Hong Kong's version of Central Park.

But it's not just shopping and partying in Kowloon. Many areas of Kowloon have an authentic vibe, with all kinds of open-air markets -- flowers, jade, produce -- and historic buildings from before and during the time of the British occupation. Kowloon is also home to important museums such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Museum of History.

Where To Stay

Kowloon is divided into several smaller areas; Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Jordan, and Mong Kok. Tsim Sha Tsu, on the southermost tip of the peninsula, boasts the greatest concentration of restaurants, shops, and hotels in the area and is often the most expensive area to stay in Kowloon. However, it is also the most convenient and is home to Nathan Road, known as the "golden mile of shopping."

Tsim Sha Tsui East also has its fair share of high-end hotels. Business travelers on short trips may want to stay here, as it is home to a major train station. Jordan offers perhaps the most authentic Hong Kong experience -- with numerous markets -- and it is also where several budget-friendly hotels can be found, while Mong Kok is largely residential.